A Lesson in Art Appreciation

I've never had a course in art appreciation. But even if I had, I don't think anything could have prepared me for appreciating my son's art. A lot of the stuff from school is really cute, but I can't help thinking that the teachers are actually doing most of it. John has gotten a lot better about coloring in the lines, though, and I definitely credit the teachers for that.

All that aside, I have attached a particular piece of art that I'm not so sure I can appreciate. See, here's the thing:

1. I bought a "leaf decorating kit" as a craft for John's class Halloween party.
2. There were a lot of leaves and the accompanying decorations left in the package.
3. Rob has been home for 2 weeks on vacation.
4. Rob does not "sit" at home very well.
5. John has been home from school for 2 weeks.
6. John does not "sit" at home very well.
7. So, to occupy at least 5 minutes of every day, Rob has helped John decorate a leaf a day (each one different, of course).
   

Here is one leaf:

Does anyone see the resemblance? I do not, but then I've never been one to constantly gaze at myself in the mirror. Let me spell this out for you (not because I think you are dumb, but because I had to have it spelled out for myself):

1. Yes, this is supposed to be me.
2. Yes, Rob helped John stick the pieces where John wanted them (because John gets the sticky part stuck to himself and not the art).
3. Rob was faithful in putting each particular piece where John said they belong.
4. Yes, I take Rob's word for it when he says it was not his idea,
5. because he knows me after 6.5 years of marriage,
6. and he values his life.
7. Did he laugh at the end result? And when John declared "Dat's Mama!"?
8. Most definitely. Although, I am sure what I heard was a very suppressed version of the laughter in his mind.
   

How nice. Should I consider laser hair removal to thin out the bushy brows? Ouch! Are they that bad? On second thought, don't comment on that. Polite comments are welcome, of course.

The Gift

Although this post sounds like a family-only one, if you relish my embarrassment, then read on. You will enjoy it, I promise.

Last Thursday, we celebrated Christmas with Rob's parents. It was early this year because Chris and Sonya came in from Tampa and have to return before Christmas.

After all the presents had been opened, Cindy announced that she had one special gift left. She said it was something of Big Mama's, and there was only one, so we had to draw for the gift. However, it wasn't a one-time thing. The girls were supposed to regift to one another during the year, or at the very least by next Christmas. Since Julie was at home trying not to go into labor with the twins, it was just between Sonya and me.

I'm thinking a purse or some other personal item.

Maybe a beautiful piece of jewelry.

Perhaps a special photo album with lots of memories throughout Big Mama's life.

And I'm thinking... I want this gift. I looked at Sonya and sized her up. I could tell she wanted it too. Did she know what it was? I couldn't tell. But I knew by looking at her face that she would be willing to fight for the gift. Sure, she looked innocent--but that was the game plan. Then I thought, well thank goodness Julie is on bedrest, so I don't have to fight with both sisters-in-law. One relationship might make it through this "special" gift. Did Cindy really think about this before she decided to pit us against one another? Don't think so...

Then, I decided that if I were lucky enough to win, I was keeping this thing--whatever it was--all the way until next Christmas. And if Sonya was gracious when I won it, I might give it to her first. Sounded fair to me.

And the winner is....

Oh yes, I am the owner of a pair of red and black-lace panties and some sort of a bonnet. No, they are not super-sized boy shorts--these are granny panties. Where does one find red and black panties this size? I don't want to know. Apparently, Cindy found them in Big Mama's drawer. And apparently, Cindy thought they would be a very sentimental gift. What?!

I do like to win competitions, but I'm not really sure if I am the winner here.

Since opening the gift, I have adjusted my plans to keep this special gift for an entire year until next Christmas. If they are around this house another week, I'll be surprised. Heads-up Julie and Sonya!

Gingerbread House

I don't really remember making a Gingerbread house as a kid. (If we did--sorry Mom, my memory fails.) But, I thought it would be fun this Christmas. Maybe we could start a new tradition. Well, I think we did a pretty good job. Check out the pics below, and keep in mind that a 2-year-old decorated.

The beginning--note the concentration. John was very serious about this project.

As we went along, we stopped every 5 minutes or so to clean up. John didn't want the icing on his hands or his clothes. Building houses is a messy job, but someone has to do it.

I would say he definitely got the hang of lining up the gum drops along the edge. Yes, that would be my anal tendencies coming through in the next generation. Poor John. Poor John's-future-wife.

The finished project. No, it's not perfect, but close enough.

As soon as he finished, John didn't hesitate to begin eating. I don't think I've ever seen him on a sugar rush like that. Whew! We now limit him to a few pieces at a time.

And finally, the end. This is the part that my entire family gets backward (both Mom's and Dad's sides). You read the directions after you are done to see if what you did comes close. I can't vouch for Rob's entire family, but he apparently gets this gene from somewhere on his side too, because he only looks at directions after there is a problem. John has no hope. In the end, I think he concluded that winging it was better--he clearly liked his version better than the one on the box. Me too, buddy.